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The optic nerve (also known as cranial nerve II) is a continuation of the axons of the ganglion cells in the retina. There are approximately 1.1 million nerve cells in each optic nerve. The optic nerve, which acts like a cable connecting the eye with the brain, actually is more like brain tissue than it is nerve tissue.

As the optic nerve leaves the back of the eye, it travels to the optic chiasm, located just below and in front of the pituitary gland (which is why a tumor on the pituitary gland, pressing on the optic chiasm, can cause vision problems). In the optic chiasm, the optic nerve fibers emanating from the nasal half of each retina cross over to the other side; but the nerve fibers originating in the temporal retina do not cross over.

From there, the nerve fibers become the optic tract, passing through the thalamus and turning into the optic radiation until they reach the visual cortex in the occipital lobe at the back of the brain. This is where the visual center of the brain is located.

The visual cortex ultimately interprets the electrical signals produced by light stimulation of the retina, via the optic nerve, as visual images. A representation of parasympathetic pathways in the pupillary light reflex can be seen here: parasympathetic response.

The beginning of the optic nerve in the retina is called the optic nerve head or optic disc. Since there are no photoreceptors (cones and rods) in the optic nerve head, this area of the retina cannot respond to light stimulation. As a result, it is known as the "blind spot," and everybody has one in each eye.

The reason we normally do not notice our blind spots is because, when both eyes are open, the blind spot of one eye corresponds to retina that is seeing properly in the other eye. Here is a way for you to see just how absolutely blind your blind spot is. Below, you will observe a dot and a plus. This The End The optic nerve causes a blind spot because it is a continuation of the axons of the ganglion cells in the retina.

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Margarette Ratke

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2y ago
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AnswerBot

4mo ago

The blind spot is caused by the absence of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) where the optic nerve exits the eye. This area is where the optic nerve leaves the retina to carry visual information to the brain. Without photoreceptor cells in this specific spot, there is a gap in our visual field, creating a blind spot.

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Q: Why does the optic nerve cause the blind spot?
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What is the function Blind Spot?

The blind spot does not have or serve a function. The blind spot is cause by a lack of receptors in the location where a person's optic nerve and blood vessels leave the eye.


Where does the optic nerve leave the eye?

The optic nerve leaves the eye at the back of the eyeball, where it connects to the retina. This point is known as the optic disc or optic nerve head.


Is the blind spot in the eye the optic nerve leaving the eye?

Yep.


In the Retina what physical structure results in a blind spot?

optic nerve


Is blind spot only present in human?

No. The blind spot reflects the retinal area where the optic nerve fibres leave the eye ( The Optic Nerve head). So in many animals the blind spot is present though they are not aware of it. Same goes with human.


Where is the blind spot located?

The blind spot is also called the optic nerve head. It is located on the retina, about 15 degrees horizontal from center vision.


Where in the eye is the optic nerve located?

its in the optic chiasm which leads to the back of the eye


Is the optic disk the spot where the optic nerve leaves the eyeball?

Yes, the optic disk, also known as the optic nerve head, is the spot on the retina where the optic nerve exits the eye. This location is also known as the blind spot because it lacks photoreceptor cells, making it insensitive to light.


The axons of the retina culminate in what nerve?

The axons of the retina culminate in the optic nerve.


Is everyone's blind spot different?

No, everyone's blind spot is located in the same area of the retina, where the optic nerve connects to the eye. However, the size and shape of the blind spot can vary slightly among individuals.


Area of the retina that lacks rods and cones?

The retina is filled with rods and cones- except for one spot. This place that lack rods and cones is called the blind spot, which can be found by covering up one eye and looking at something with the other. Out of the corner of your uncovered eye, you will will see something disappear. We don't realize it on a daily basis because our brain fills in the empty spot. The blind spot is located near the optic nerve and is about 2mm wide.


What is the function of the optic disk in the eye?

The optic disk is the point on the retina where the optic nerve exits the eye. It does not contain any photoreceptor cells, so it creates a blind spot in our vision. Its function is to transmit visual information from the retina to the brain for processing.